Costa Rica Hotels

Easily among the most luxurious resorts in Central America, The Four Seasons is as close to perfection as it gets. With two beautiful beaches, ocean views from each one of the sumptuous rooms -- decorated in materials including wood, bamboo, and stone -- and an 18-hole golf course, the resort makes it…

The JW Marriott is one of the top luxury properties in Guanacaste, with beautiful, hacienda-style architecture (think: lots of wood and stone, romantic white hammocks, wrought iron light fixtures and indigenous art). The stunning free-form pool is the largest in Central America, and the tranquil spa…

Arenas del Mar is proof that staying at an eco-resort doesn't mean roughing it: Its 38 contemporary rooms are among the nicest in Manuel Antonio, its restaurant is excellent, and its public spaces embody rustic luxury. The property's lush rainforest, two beautiful white-sand beaches on site -- a rarity…

Guests will feel truly pampered at this adults-only, 22-room luxury hotel. Tucked into the hillside of a 14-acre nature reserve, Gaia feels appropriately exclusive and private, and has the attentive, personalized service to match. Rooms are spacious and airy; the great views are never-ending; and the…

The 202-room Papagayo is an excellent upscale all-inclusive option in Guanacaste, with a decent beach and comfortable (if generic) rooms. It's quieter and classier than your typical all-inclusive, with brand-name liquor, no annoying bracelets, solid (it not exceptional) food, and live music or karaoke…

The 701-room Riu Guanacaste is a lot like a Riu anywhere, with a good beach, a huge, raucous pool, an energetic entertainment staff, and a party-hearty, booze-fueled atmosphere. Rooms are nothing special, and a la carte restaurant reservations need to be made a day in advance. If you're after a convenient…

This ultra-remote, rustic luxe hideaway is worth the bumpy, two-and-a-half hour drive from Liberia Airport. The rooms aren't as impressive as those at larger luxury resorts in the region, but the unparalleled views, stunning infinity pool, and ruggedly beautiful (if rocky) beach more than compensate…

Luxurious in every way, the 16-room, adult-only resort Nayara Springs is the top resort in the area for couples seeking romance and privacy -- but who can do without volcano views. Large, rustic-luxe rooms have a bevy of free amenities (free minibar items, free international calls) and gadgets (Bluetooth…

Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa takes full advantage of its natural setting: The rooms, restaurants, and pool all offer stunning views of Arenal Volcano. Big suites all come with large Jacuzzis and two terraces, but the tube TVs and floral bedding make them feel slightly less luxe than those at the nearby…

A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 47-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel…

Los Altos' condos -- all 2,300-square-foot, three-bedroom luxury units -- are probably the most luxurious accommodations in Manuel Antonio. The hotel is ultra-convenient -- the elevator opens up right into your condo -- but the grounds aren't as lush or wildlife-rich as at sprawling, less convenient…

A sprawling resort in an area of mostly boutique-sized hotels, Hotel Parador is a relaxed, family-friendly property perched high above the ocean. It's not particularly luxurious or upscale (though we love the newer rooms in the Parador Suites building), but it keeps guests happy with several restaurants…

For beach lovers, Karahe Hotel is one of the best mid-range bets in Manuel Antonio, as its one of the few properties with direct, private access to Playa Espadilla and is a 13-minute walk to Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park. It's best to think of this hotel as two properties, with the cheaper rooms…

A staple in the beautiful Manuel Antonio resort area, the 58-room Si Como No is carefully built into a lush hillside, which means great views and winding paths surrounded by colorful flowers and wildlife. The amenities are a main pull here: two pools, two restaurants, a spa, a movie theater, and a wildlife…